🔗 Share this article

Choosing your top lineup in a major match contest feels more and more old-fashioned these days, bringing back memories of past eras like vintage television. So much so where one might nearly anticipate finding the home team selection against the All Blacks on Saturday displayed in a jumbled order. Even with New Zealand visiting, this conventional method for choosing the team no longer hold true.

Emphasis on the Final Stages

Rather, the focus is all about how the match finishes. On this occasion, Steve Borthwick has chosen six experienced players on the substitutes versus only four in the starting lineup. Around the 50-minute point this weekend, there will be an extensive substitution involving fresh talent entering the field. As South Africa's famous "impact substitutes" have shown, this approach is very difficult to counter.

Potential Challenge

However, comes a minor issue. When playing one of the globe's second-best teams, it is crucial to start strongly too. Waiting for the introduction of star replacements like Tom Curry or teammates might seem not so brilliant should New Zealand take a large lead by halftime, as they did versus the Scots last week.

Yet this is the modern way for you. And not many are more knowledgeable about the subject compared to Borthwick, who sat out several matches on the substitute in his playing days.

Past Context

Including these occasions, he mentioned this week, was the famous match against the All Blacks in Wellington back in 2003, where England's pack was reduced to six because of yellow cards. At that time, he and other reserves remained on the sidelines for the entire 80 minutes.

On the other hand, during a match in Italy the previous year, Clive Woodward brought on four England captains around the hour mark, a move memorably described like "the most illustrious bench ever."

Today's Strategy

The current team's substitute choices nearly matches those for "impact player" vibes, as the team clearly hoping to overtake New Zealand in the last quarter. "Each game we have faced versus them has gone late," the coach stated. "Therefore we need the right personnel available to close out strongly... having that level of know-how among substitutes is also a key asset for the team."

Spectator Perspective

Some those paying premium prices for tickets this weekend wondering if a discount could be offered if games now largely hinge around just 20-odd minutes rather than the entire match. Joking aside, though, there is a further quietly persuasive reason: which is Borthwick's trust toward younger players such as Joe Heyes is grown sufficiently strong so that the "best" first lineup is not precisely what casual fans would assume.

Selection Decisions

Whether that qualifies him as "an adventurous coach" remains a topic he's is minded to discuss – "I don't into labels... I aim to select the best squad we possibly can to get the results" – yet England's ongoing streak of nine Test wins consecutively has strengthened the view that international the sport has become increasingly an entire squad effort.

"In my view each member recognizes that it's a team endeavor. The 36 individuals here helping the team prepare all contribute. This type of selfless attitude hasn't always been the case in an past squads. It was different during my time as playing."

Delicate Judgments

Some delicate choices are having to be made, even so, due to the absence of key individuals. Borthwick also says that "blessed with options" in key positions, and this time, the decision Northampton's young talent that is omitted completely. Considering the damp weather forecast, choosing of George Ford at No 10 is not a major surprise, and the security the All Blacks' defense against kicks is sure face examined frequently.

Experience and Versatility

Additionally, there is the added importance of experience together with necessity to have a bench player who is able to slot into the back three, particularly with a key individual not yet fully ready. "I could have select either of the three playmakers then explain now saying why each is the right choice since I believe they're all excellent," he commented. "George provides composed presence but also possesses the ability to unite the team as one driving them on to attack. That's exactly what expecting him to deliver this weekend."

Final Outlook

Will it prove enough? The team lost three times against New Zealand last year with a combined difference of just a small amount, while in terms of converting opportunities, Scott Robertson's side are as sharp ever. Given this scenario, it's likely every chance of a close contest that could come down to the final stages. That's exactly what the England setup is anticipating.